Golden Boy Issues Cease-And-Desist Over Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn Fight Plans

Oscar De La Hoya’s company reportedly challenges Zuffa Boxing’s alleged efforts to announce a Garcia-Benn bout

Golden Boy Promotions has reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing over alleged interference involving WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. The move comes after reports that Zuffa was preparing to announce a proposed September 12 fight between Garcia and Conor Benn.

BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire reported that Golden Boy was caught off guard after learning Zuffa Boxing was preparing to announce a proposed September 12 fight between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn during Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, which is scheduled to air on Paramount+.

The bout between Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) and Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) has been rumored for weeks, with Las Vegas repeatedly mentioned as the likely destination. However, Golden Boy attorney Ricardo P. Cestero reportedly stated in the letter that the promotional company has not approved the fight or participated in negotiations related to the event.

“Golden Boy has not approved of or agreed to the terms of any such bout, nor has Golden Boy been involved in the negotiations of any such bout,” Cestero wrote in the letter reviewed by BoxingScene.

The letter further alleges that Garcia remains contractually obligated to stage his bouts through Golden Boy’s broadcast partner, DAZN, rather than Paramount+.

Golden Boy’s position is significant given De La Hoya’s public comments just one day earlier, when he indicated a willingness to work alongside White despite their long-running feud.

“As much as I hate it, let’s go. Why not? Because the fighters want this fight. Ryan wants it,” De La Hoya said. “You have to work with the promoters to make these fights happen.”

“If that’s what Ryan wants, that’s what he’s going to get. It’s a matter of details, a matter that all parties are happy.”

Earlier this week, Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom accused the company of attempting to lure fighters away from existing agreements, describing the alleged conduct as “scandalous.”

Garcia captured the WBC welterweight title in February with a unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios, earning his third shot at a world championship. Benn, meanwhile, has continued to campaign for a high-profile showdown against the American star after defeating Regis Prograis earlier this year.

Golden Boy’s legal challenge emerged days before Zuffa Boxing was reportedly preparing to unveil its plans during Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.